Authored by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was about to embark on my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year student. Plunging into the unfamiliar was not something my previously timid and reserved self was used to. Looking back now, I perceive a year abundant with personal development, obstacles, and a lot of enjoyment! But what insights have I gained, and what is my current situation?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This aspect of starting university can certainly be quite daunting, and for any potential students reading this, it might be among your foremost concerns. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before classes commenced, I spent the entire day cloistered in my room, too scared to step out and introduce myself to others. Today, though, I can assert with confidence that I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had during my time at university and in this program. I’ve discovered a second family at Imperial, and it all kicked off with light conversation with individuals in similar situations. So, what did I gain from this experience? I learned the importance of taking a risk at the beginning of the year. If you’re not feeling ready or at ease, don’t be disheartened! There will be numerous opportunities for ice-breaking and events designed to help you bond with others. I also realized that if you can embody anything, just be yourself. With such a diverse range of individuals throughout the course and university, you are sure to connect with those who resonate with you.
Another obstacle I encountered was the demands of the workload and the complexity of the content. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in certain respects, an even larger leap from the first term to the second. Being immersed in such an environment isn’t always conducive to your confidence; you may witness others studying and begin to feel inadequate. A few things helped me navigate through that sensation, one being the reminder that everyone else is in the same predicament. If there’s something you don’t grasp, I can nearly guarantee that others are equally puzzled. Thus, seeking assistance is vital. This may be the most crucial lesson to embrace in your first year. Reach out for help from your peers and the faculty!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and keep open lines of communication with us throughout the year concerning our challenges. I didn’t fully utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had engaged with it earlier. I mentioned taking risks previously – I took a significant step at the beginning of the year by becoming a year well-being representative. This role permitted me to establish relationships with the faculty members, which is incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to connect with faculty, and it is undoubtedly one of the best actions you can take for yourself! My primary takeaway from this segment of university life is to make the most of the assistance available to you. You can never have too much support!
In a broader sense, this year has enlightened me that feelings of anxiety, both in the lead-up to and throughout university, are often unfounded and can be mitigated through the various support resources provided by staff and fellow students. It has taught me that I am never truly alone, and it has illustrated how to find joy amidst stressors such as exams and deadlines.